Practice Test GeeksCAE - Cambridge English Advanced Practice Test
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Reading Flashcards

7 cards from real CAE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. In CAE Reading, the phrase 'the author pulls no punches' in a book review most likely means the author:

    Answer: Expresses opinions directly and forcefully

    'Pulls no punches' is an idiom meaning to speak bluntly and without softening one's message.

  2. A CAE Part 5 question asks: 'What does the writer mean by the phrase "the elephant in the room" in paragraph 3?' This phrase most likely refers to:

    Answer: An obvious problem that people are avoiding discussing

    'The elephant in the room' idiomatically describes a significant issue that is obvious yet deliberately ignored or unacknowledged.

  3. In a CAE gapped text task, which of the following best indicates that a paragraph should follow one about a setback?

    Answer: 'Despite this, the researchers refused to abandon their hypothesis.'

    'Despite this' signals a contrast, indicating persistence after a difficulty, making it the natural continuation after a paragraph describing a setback.

  4. In CAE Reading Part 6, you compare four reviews of the same film. Which question type is most commonly tested in this part?

    Answer: Matching opinions, attitudes, or points of view across texts

    CAE Part 6 specifically tests the ability to compare and contrast opinions, attitudes, and points of view expressed across multiple short texts.

  5. A CAE passage describes a scientist who 'remained undaunted by repeated failures.' What does 'undaunted' mean in this context?

    Answer: Not discouraged; persistent despite adversity

    'Undaunted' means not intimidated or discouraged, indicating the scientist maintained resolve despite repeated setbacks.

  6. In a CAE text, the writer uses a series of rhetorical questions. What is the most likely purpose?

    Answer: To persuade the reader by provoking thought without expecting answers

    Rhetorical questions are used as a persuasive device to engage the reader and lead them toward the writer's conclusion, not to seek actual answers.

  7. A CAE Part 5 question asks what the writer implies by ending a paragraph with 'Time, as always, will tell.' What does this imply?

    Answer: The writer acknowledges uncertainty about the future outcome

    'Time will tell' is a conventional expression indicating that the outcome is uncertain and will only become clear in the future.